The High Court has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by former presidential aide Pramati Noe, her husband Antonio Piccolo, and their company, Italian Import & Export Ltd, against Trinidad Express Newspapers Ltd. Justice Robin Mohammed ruled that the articles in question were not defamatory and were protected under the principle of responsible journalism. The case originated from five articles published by the Express between September 21 and 29, 2016, which alleged that Noe and Piccolo’s company supplied wine to then-President Anthony Carmona’s official residence and that Noe was dismissed as his private secretary after ten months of employment. Noe, who served as the President’s private secretary from 2013 to 2016, claimed the reports falsely implied cronyism and misconduct, damaging her reputation and that of her company. The Express defended its reporting, stating the stories were in the public interest and protected under the Reynolds privilege, which safeguards fair and responsible reporting on matters of public concern. In his ruling on November 5, Justice Mohammed noted that the claimants failed to identify specific defamatory passages and instead summarised alleged falsehoods. He also found that while two articles could suggest impropriety, a later report, which included President Carmona’s public denial of any wrongdoing by Noe or her company, effectively removed the defamatory sting. Justice Mohammed concluded that the Express’ journalists acted responsibly, relied on credible sources, and reported on a legitimate issue concerning procurement practices at the Office of the President. He dismissed the claim in full and ordered costs payable to the media house.
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CCJ hears case of Trini political analyst’s detention in Suriname
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) commenced hearings on November 6 regarding a high-profile case involving political analyst Derek Ramsamooj, who claims he was unlawfully detained in Suriname. The case, titled *Derek Ramsamooj v The State of Suriname*, is being adjudicated at the CCJ’s headquarters in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, with proceedings set to conclude on November 7. Ramsamooj, a Trinidadian citizen, asserts that his fundamental rights under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas were violated during his detention, which spanned from October 2020 to September 2022. He alleges that Surinamese authorities denied him access to legal representation and medical care throughout this period. Additionally, Ramsamooj claims he was coerced into signing documents written in Dutch, a language he does not comprehend, which were subsequently presented in court as a confession. The case has drawn significant attention due to its implications for human rights and cross-border legal accountability within the Caribbean region.
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Ministry intervenes after Barataria North Sec brawl
In the wake of a violent altercation on November 4 involving male and female students outside Barataria North Secondary School, the Education Ministry has swiftly responded by bolstering security measures. Education Minister Michael Dowlath announced on November 6 that additional police patrols have been arranged for several priority schools, including Barataria North Secondary, to ensure student safety. The ministry expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing its commitment to addressing indiscipline and disruptive behavior within educational institutions. The school, which had previously been selected for on-campus police presence, is now under heightened scrutiny. The ministry has mobilized various units, such as the School Supervision Division and the Student Support Services Division (SSSD), to implement interventions aimed at fostering a safe and conducive learning environment. An ongoing investigation into the brawl is being conducted, with the ministry advocating for a ‘whole-of-community approach’ to student discipline. This includes engaging parents, guardians, and other stakeholders to reinforce behavioral support systems and encourage positive student engagement. The school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has urged students with relevant information to report it to trusted staff members and reminded them of their responsibility to uphold the school’s reputation. The PTA also cautioned against sharing or posting recordings of such incidents on social media, stressing the importance of handling evidence responsibly.
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Bodoe denies EWMSC blackout affected services
Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe has confirmed that critical medical services at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) in Mt Hope remained uninterrupted despite an alleged hour-long power outage on November 6. Speaking at the TT Revitalisation Blueprint event in St. Ann’s, Dr. Bodoe stated that he had been in contact with North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) chairman Dr. Tim Gopeesingh, who assured him that backup systems functioned as intended. ‘There was no impact at all. Hospitals always have a standby backup supply, and I’m informed backup supply services were able to continue,’ Dr. Bodoe told reporters. He added that the TT Electricity Commission (T&TEC) was on-site during the incident and that a full report has been requested from the NCRHA chairman. ‘The matter is being investigated, and I will get a full report from the chairman,’ he said, declining further comment until the report is received. The TT Registered Nurses Association (TTRNA) had initially reported the outage on its Facebook page, posting photos of darkened hallways with a caption suggesting that the entire hospital was in darkness, including the intensive care unit, and that generators failed to start. TTRNA president Idi Stuart described the incident as ‘deeply concerning’ and called for a transparent investigation. ‘No hospital in TT should suffer something like what went on today,’ he said, hinting that the association has information about the blackout but will wait for the RHA’s official statement before commenting further. Stuart emphasized that critical care units must never lose power and commended the nurses and medical staff for their tireless efforts to protect patients during the outage. He reiterated the association’s call for a comprehensive investigation and a public report to ensure the issue never recurs. The NCRHA recently announced the completion of the first phase of a major electrical and lighting upgrade at the EWMSC, supported by the TTEC, with the second phase currently underway to replace defective light poles and add new fixtures for full campus illumination.
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Kamla’s master plan: PM unveils revitalisation agenda, eyes job explosion
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has officially launched the TT Revitalisation Blueprint, a sweeping national infrastructure plan aimed at creating over 50,000 jobs and fundamentally transforming Trinidad and Tobago. The ambitious initiative, unveiled at the Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s on November 6, includes 129 construction projects designed to modernize key areas such as the Port of Spain and San Fernando waterfronts, Invaders Bay, and Queen’s Park Savannah. The Port of Spain port is also slated for a significant expansion.
Works Minister Jearlean John detailed the plan, emphasizing its potential to make the country “unrecognisable” within a decade. Among the standout projects are the demolition of prisons in Port of Spain, Golden Grove, and Carrera Island, with plans to relocate inmates to a state-of-the-art “justice centre” in Tamana. The vacated sites will be repurposed into an arts and cultural centre, a new housing community, and an offshore luxury resort, respectively.
The blueprint also features a 100-mile road network connecting San Fernando to southeastern communities like Mayaro, alongside the development of four five-star hotels, a 400-berth marina, and a convention center at Invaders Bay. Downtown Port of Spain will see the introduction of a multi-modal transportation hub, enhancing connectivity across the capital.
To facilitate the plan, the government launched Udecott’s electronic tender portal, inviting businesses to bid on projects until January 2026. Contracts are expected to be awarded shortly thereafter, with construction slated to begin by August 2026.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar emphasized the project’s transformative potential, calling it a “declaration of intent” rather than a mere vision. She highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s strategic advantages, including its location outside the hurricane belt, a skilled workforce, and a stable democracy, as key factors to attract investors.
Addressing concerns about funding, Persad-Bissessar assured that the government would collaborate closely with private investors and explore various financing models. Minister John remained optimistic about foreign investment, dismissing geopolitical tensions as a barrier.
The TT Revitalisation Blueprint represents a bold step toward economic diversification and national development, aiming to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
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After traumatic home invasion, Phillipine man wants a gun
A Philippine family of seven endured a harrowing ordeal when six armed men invaded their home in the early hours of November 4, just meters away from the Prime Minister’s residence. The attackers, who claimed to be police officers, tied up the family, beat them, and ransacked their property, leaving them traumatized and seeking justice. Vijay Ragoonanan, 53, the family patriarch, sustained severe injuries to his eye and lip during the assault. The incident has reignited discussions about the proposed stand-your-ground legislation, which the family now supports as a means of self-defense. Ragoonanan, a farmer who built his home through decades of hard work, expressed his shock and disbelief, stating that he had always felt safe in the community until this brutal attack. The family, now living in fear, has appealed for assistance to secure their home and recover from the financial and emotional toll of the invasion. Police investigations are ongoing, but the family remains hopeful for stronger legal protections and the ability to defend themselves in the future.
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‘Not just about flour, sugar, and rice’
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated parts of Jamaica on October 28, 2025, survivors like Maxine Campbell are grappling with more than just physical destruction. Campbell, a poultry farmer from Retrieve, Hanover, expressed profound distress over the lack of emotional support from relief agencies. While grateful for the food and supplies provided, she emphasized that what survivors truly need is empathy and a simple question: ‘Are you okay?’
Campbell recounted her harrowing experience during the hurricane, which destroyed her chicken coop and left her elderly mother injured. She described the ongoing mental toll, reliving the sounds of the storm and the screams of her mother. ‘It’s not about flour, sugar, and rice,’ she said. ‘We are damaged mentally.’
Her plea for compassion resonated with others in her community, particularly elderly residents who struggled to access aid due to logistical challenges. Campbell highlighted the plight of her neighbor, a senior citizen tirelessly working to rebuild her home. ‘We have to help her,’ she said, ‘but the relief agencies don’t seem to care.’
Campbell’s frustration was echoed by Benton Richards, an elderly man who had not received a care package because he was instructed to travel to a distant distribution center. ‘They should have just issued what they could here,’ he reasoned. Marlene Patterson, another resident, criticized the inefficiency of the relief distribution, arguing that aid should have been dropped off along the way.
Despite the challenges, Campbell found solace in the kindness of a Jamaica Defence Force soldier who visited her twice. ‘They need to do more of that,’ she said, urging relief workers to show love and encouragement to those affected. ‘Sugar, flour, and rice can’t help us heal. It will take time and encouragement to keep us going.’
As Campbell and her neighbors continue to rebuild their lives, their story underscores the critical need for holistic disaster response—one that addresses both material and emotional needs.
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‘Time come’ for Dancehall Grammy?
The recent announcement of dancehall artists Vybz Kartel and Shenseea being shortlisted for the 2025 Reggae Grammy Award has reignited a long-standing debate within the music industry. Critics argue that Jamaica’s globally influential music scene deserves distinct Grammy categories for reggae and dancehall, rather than grouping them together. This sentiment has gained traction internationally, with Billboard magazine advocating for the separation of these genres in future Grammy Awards. The 2025 nominations brought surprises, including Vybz Kartel’s unexpected nod, and the 2026 shortlist is anticipated to be equally unpredictable. Billboard highlighted that dancehall artists like Valiant, Skillibeng, Ding Dong, and 450 have submitted their works, with Valiant and Skillibeng being strong contenders. Valiant’s album ‘Prove Them Wrong’ and Skillibeng’s ‘International’ are particularly noteworthy, with the latter backed by RCA Records. Despite Vybz Kartel’s recent release from prison, his submission ‘Heart & Soul’ is considered for its merit, given his global influence. On the reggae front, Lila Ike, Mojo Morgan, and Keznamdi are potential nominees, alongside King Jammy and Niney the Observer. Additionally, an AI-assisted album by Adrian Donsome Hanson, ‘Dem Can’t Stop My Joy (Rastafari Forever)’, is generating buzz for its innovative use of technology. The ongoing debate underscores the need for the Recording Academy to recognize the distinctiveness of reggae and dancehall, a change that many believe is long overdue.
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Back to business
In a decisive move to restore normalcy in hurricane-ravaged communities, Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has unveiled a series of measures aimed at reopening small shops and markets. Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, Holness emphasized the government’s commitment to transitioning from relief to recovery, ensuring that daily life and business operations resume swiftly.
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Young: Studley Park materials needed locally
A heated political debate has emerged following the recent issuance of an export licence to Studley Park Enterprises Ltd by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Port-of-Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young has criticized the move, labelling it as ‘political gimmickry.’ Speaking at a media conference on November 6, Young defended the previous administration’s decision not to grant the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) the licence, emphasizing the high local demand for the quarry’s high-grade materials. Young highlighted that aggregate from Studley Park was crucial for several local projects, including the Diego Martin Interchange, and that the quarry’s production capacity was insufficient to meet domestic needs. He questioned the rationale behind prioritizing exports when local demand remains unmet, warning that the export licence could exacerbate foreign exchange challenges and impact roadworks across the country. Young also revealed that former Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and former Works Minister Rohan Sinanan were previously barred from visiting the quarry. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, however, defended the licence, stating it would enable Studley Park to market its aggregate regionally and generate much-needed foreign exchange, empowering Tobago to chart its own economic destiny.